ES2355771T3 - NOSE DILATATION DEVICE. - Google Patents

Abstract

An internal nose dilatation device (1), comprising two conical insert pieces (2), each of which has four walls (10, 11, 12, 13) and two openings: a small opening (3) , which during use is oriented inwards in the direction of the nasal cavity; : and a large opening (4), which is oriented outside the nose, the insertion pieces (2) being joined together by means of a connecting member (9), which during use is the only part that remains in the outer part of the nose, whose insert pieces have at least four openings (7); characterized in that the four walls (10, 11, 12, 13) of the insert pieces (2) are convex in their central parts and are provided with a recess (5) which, during use, is substantially horizontal, having practiced the recess (5) along the four walls (10, 11, 12, 13) of the insert pieces (2) and extending at least partly along the circumference on the outside thereof to form a protuberance in the four walls (10, 11, 12, 13) of the insert pieces, and because a reinforced part has been provided along a rounded edge of the small opening (3), thereby allowing the insert pieces (2) turn upside down.

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to an internal nose dilation device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Technical background

Breathing through the nose during sleep is very advantageous compared to breathing through the mouth. When breathing through the mouth, the secretion of saliva decreases and the mucous membranes become dry. This circumstance provides a fertile ground for the breeding of bacteria and causes dental problems, or an increase in them, since there is no new saliva left for effective rinsing. An additional aspect of mouth breathing is that the teeth do not have sufficient support, and, when the jaws are separated, it is so that the teeth begin to grow angularly, because they are not offered resistance.

Breathing through the mouth increases the risk of snoring, since, from an anatomical point of view, the throat becomes narrower and the air passage is smaller as a result of the lower jaw dropping frequently. This throat constriction often causes snoring and abnormal breathing. The narrowing of the air passage duct means that you have to breathe harder to get enough oxygen, with the result that snoring is louder.

In order to reduce or completely eliminate snoring, snoring protections can be used, designed to reposition the lower jaw forward, placing the protections in the mouth and being retained by an occlusive grip. However, these protections have the disadvantage that they do not lead to the jaws to tighten together tightly, which means that people who have restricted nasal passages tend to open their mouths to breathe, and, with their mouths open, they It loses the effect of snoring protections, designed to reposition the lower jaw forward. To improve the situation of these people, protection against snoring, designed to reposition the lower jaw forward, can be combined with a nose dilation device, that is, means arranged outside or inside the nose to expand the windows

Some people may have a partially deformed nose, resulting in inaccurate air circulation and, when the person breathes heavily through the nose, the nasal walls simply suck together, thereby obstructing the passage of air. This could be important, for example, when playing sports, in which case optimal air aspiration is desired.

There are currently a number of methods and means for creating and maintaining a satisfactory passage of air through the nose, for example by means of external nose dilation devices, such as adhesive nose strips, or internal means of dilation of the nose, such as plastic springs installed between the nostrils to dilate the nasal openings, and decongestants, such as sprayed nose jets or nose drops.

US 6,004,342 describes an internal nose dilation device, which comprises a pair of hollow, cylindrical members, which have been constructed of an elastomeric material and are shaped like a nasal window and are designed to be placed inside. of the nose, with a handle part that joins the two pieces of nasal insertion. This device has the disadvantage that it cannot be adjusted to different nose shapes or to different dilation needs.

WO 8803788 describes a nose dilation device in the form of two end portions that are joined together in an elastic manner, that is, as a spring-like plastic wing, which are inserted into the two windows of the nose, so that the stiffness of the elastic material causes the front part of the windows to dilate. A considerable drawback is that much of this device protrudes from the nose. Due to the intense elastic loading force, any contact with the device, for example when you touch the pillow

or if pushed directly, it could dislodge the wings, so that the rigidity of the material would result in the plastic wing escaping from the nose. According to said intense force of elastic load, the product is sensitive to external influences.

US 5,895,409 describes an internal device for dilating the nose in the form of cylindrical convex tubes, which are inserted into the nose to dilate its windows and which are joined by a larger external part. The tubes consist of an open structure that has an inner part and an outer part and a plurality of elongate members joined together, and at least one of which is convex. The device described in this document is intended for energetic physical exercises and for the administration of anesthesia. . Such devices are often rigid and clearly visible and, above all, rarely adapt to the anatomy of the nose and its different cavities. They are often too long and too bulky, and therefore less comfortable and less effective, since their straight lines make it difficult to keep them located in the nose. Also, due to their design, they don't fit in all types of nose. The air flow obtained when a completely round insert is used is not optimal, since a significant part of the air has to pass along the side, its passage being, in fact, partially obstructed by the device. Because the outer part is larger, there is also a greater risk of the device leaking from the nose when touched.

US 2002/0177871 describes another nose dilatation device according to the preamble of claim 1.

US 2003150449 describes a nasal strip, which is fixed to the nose by means of adhesive ends, for nasal dilation. Devices of this class have the disadvantage that they are clearly visible, and that before fixing them, it is necessary to perform a thorough cleaning of the nose to remove fat. In many cases, such nasal strips can only be used once, thereby generating a significant annual cost. There is also a risk that the person using them will be affected by the adhesive. When playing sports, sweat drops form, which could reduce the strength of the adhesive strip. Often, the adhesive used has great mechanical strength, which implies a time-consuming cleaning. You cannot use beauty creams, which some people consider to be inconvenient.

Consequently, there is a need for a nose dilation device that dilates the windows of the nose in order to achieve optimum air aspiration when sleeping or playing sports, whose device can be easily adjusted to adapt to all types of windows , which, due to its ethnic origin or some injury could be of different forms, and that it is firmly positioned in the nose without being affected when touched. In addition, nasal dilation should be adjusted individually for each window. The nose dilation device should be discreet and shaped in a manner suitable to fit the anatomy of the nose. It would be positioned inside the nose and would expand completely and individually from its center, which makes each insert piece independent of the other. In addition, the nose dilation device should be easy to clean and intended for repeated use.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention, to provide a nose dilation device, which eliminates or alleviates at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art.

According to a first aspect, an internal nose dilation device is provided comprising two conical insert pieces, each of which has four walls and two openings, a small opening, which during use is oriented towards the nasal cavity and a large opening, which is oriented outwardly of the nose, the insertion pieces being joined by means of a connecting member, which during use is the only part that remains outside the nose, characterized in that the four walls of the inserts are convex in their central parts and are provided with a substantially horizontal recess, the recess of which has been practiced along the four walls of the inserts and extends at least partly along the circumference in the exterior thereof to form a protuberance on the four walls of the insert pieces, and because the insert pieces have at least four openings, and because a reinforced part has been provided along the rounded edge of the small opening, thereby allowing the insert pieces to turn upside down.

The term "substantially horizontal" means that the recess during use of the insert is substantially horizontal or even horizontal.

By means of these characteristics, a bulge is achieved in the four walls of the insert pieces when they are compressed by applying a slight pressure from above and below, whose compression is achieved because the user presses the insert with the fingers When the nose dilation device is inserted, the bump or the fold turned outward causes an expansion of the walls of the nostrils. After compression, the device for dilating the nose retains its expanded shape. Thus, an individually adapted nasal dilation can be obtained by varying the compression of the insertions, which could be important, for example, if the nose is only partially deformed, in which case a larger expansion is required. for one window than for the other. During use, the outer convex surface rests against the inside of the nostril, thereby expanding the nasal passageway outward. Therefore, the insert is designed to lean against the inside of the nostril and the force required to prevent the nasal walls from crushing is minimal, thus the insert having a centripetal effect, which of This mode prevents the nose dilatation device from being pushed out of the windows.

This configuration optimizes nasal dilation and therefore breathing through the nose, with respect to the various degrees of nasal dilation and in relation to different forms of nostrils.

Due to the fact that the insert pieces have four openings and a reinforced part, a way has been provided to allow the insert pieces to turn upside down. When turned upside down, the inserts will have a rounded shape, due to the internal tensions of the nose dilation device, which further improves the effect of dilating the nose and also ensures a rounded fit to the windows of nose. It is not necessary to turn both inserts backwards; instead, it can be turned upside down to an insert once, to obtain a minor or greater dilation of the nostrils. In addition, the rounded edge along the small opening is rounded to make it more comfortable for the user during insertion and use of the nose dilation device, protecting soft tissue and mucous membranes from rubbing.

By the fact that the connecting member is the only part of the device that is located outside, the risk of any external influence on the nose dilation device is minimized.

In one embodiment, the insertions could be suitably kidney shaped, to better fit the nasal cavity.

In one embodiment, the four openings could be made in the corners of the insert. The openings could also be made on the long sides of the insert pieces, or, according to one embodiment, on the short sides of the insert pieces. The arrangement of the openings will depend on the shape of the insert.

In one embodiment, the nose dilation device could be provided with a decongestant.

The term "decongestant" means a substance such as eucalyptus or menthol, to alleviate problems in relation to association with nasal congestion in the case of a cold or allergies. The decongestant is properly applied inside the nose dilatation device to avoid direct contact with the mucous membranes.

According to one embodiment, the nose dilation device could be made of an elastic material.

Examples of such material could be, without limitation, rubber materials, silicone materials or combinations thereof; the central part could be made, for example, of a rigid material and the rest of a soft material. Preferably, the material is soft and comfortable for the user. The material could also be adequately allergy proof.

The connecting member could, according to one embodiment, be rigid and substantially U-shaped.

Means have been provided by the rigid and substantially U-shaped connecting member to ensure that the insertion pieces are not inserted too far into the nostrils and to center the insertion pieces in the nose. The stiffness of the connecting member could also help in adjusting the nose dilation device once it has been inserted into the user's nose.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method has been provided to change the size of a nose dilation device, in accordance with the first aspect, which comprises compressing the insert pieces, by applying an axial force, by part of the user when he presses the insert with his fingers.

The term "axial force" means that the user squeezes the insert into the small and large openings and thereby compresses the insert.

This method has provided an easy way to change the size of the insert. Compression will contribute to the formation of bumps on the walls of the insert pieces, and therefore to a different size of the insert.

A method is provided for using a nose dilation device, in accordance with a second aspect, and inserting the insertions into the nostrils of the user.

According to a third aspect, a method of changing the size of a nose dilation device is provided, according to the first aspect, which comprises turning backwards at least one insert from the inside out.

By returning backwards to at least one insert, a more rounded shape of the insert is achieved, which can be more properly adjusted in a nostril with a more rounded shape.

A method has been provided for using a nose dilation device, in accordance with the third aspect, and inserting the insertions into the user's nose.

By changing the size before insertion into the nose, a more appropriate adjustment in the nostril could be provided.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for changing the size of a nose dilation device, which comprises heating the device, at a temperature at which the material softens, and compressing the insert pieces , by means of the application of an axial force, by the user when pressing the finger with the insert.

By the term "axial force" it is meant that the user squeezes the insert in both the small opening and the large opening, so it compresses it.

A method is provided for using a nose dilation device, according to the fourth aspect, and inserting the insert into the user's nostrils.

According to a fifth aspect, a method is provided for changing the size of a nose dilation device, which comprises heating the device, at a temperature at which the material softens, and turning backwards at least to one piece. Insertion

A method has been provided for using a nose dilation device, in accordance with the fifth aspect, and introducing the insertions into the nostrils of the user.

By heating the device before compressing the insert pieces or turning the insert pieces upside down, an even better way of adjusting the size of the insert pieces could be provided, because the material has become softer and therefore more flexible by heating.

By changing the size before insertion into the nose, a more appropriate adjustment in the nostril could be provided.

The methods of using a nose dilation device could further comprise centering the insertions in the nose by adjusting the angle of the device in the nose. The insert could be centered by a displacement of the connecting member.

By adjusting the position of the insert pieces, when they have been inserted into the user's nostrils, a mode has been provided that obtains an optimal angle of the nose dilatation device when it is located in the nose .

Description of the drawings

Embodiments of the present invention are described below, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a nose dilation device.

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view on the small openings.

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view on the large openings.

Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of both inserts turned upside down.

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a device for dilating the nose with an insert turned upside down.

Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of realizations

Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a nose dilatation device 1 comprising two insert pieces 2, which have recesses 6 through which air circulates when the insert pieces 2 are positioned in the nose.

Figures 2 and 3 show that the insert has two short sides 10, 13 and two long sides 11, 12 and two openings: a small opening 3, which during use of the nose dilation device is oriented towards the cavity inside the user's nose, and a large opening 4, which during use is oriented outside the nose.

Figures 2 and 3 show that openings 3 and 4 could be substantially oval to fit the shape of the nostril.

Figure 1 shows that the insert could be substantially conical.

Figure 1 shows that the walls 10, 11, 12, 13 of the insert are convex in their central part with a convex surface 16 on the outside of the insert and a concave surface 17 on the inside of the same.

Figure 1 shows that the insert pieces 2 are joined together by means of a connecting member 9. According to an embodiment of the invention, the connecting member 9 could be substantially in the form of a U-strip. The member of connection 9 could also consist of two parts, one of which is fixed to the long side 12 adjacent to the large opening 4.

Inserts 2 and connecting member 9 could be suitably formed in one piece. The stiffness and U-shape of the connecting member 9 are also intended to facilitate the adjustment of the nose dilation device 1 when inserted into the nose, in order to achieve an optimal angle of the nose dilation device 1 when it is positioned in it.

Figures 2 and 3 show that the short sides 10 and 13 could be beveled, which makes the long side 12 longer, in a longitudinal direction, than the long side 11.

The inserts are provided with a recess 5 (Figures 1 to 6) whose recess 5 has been made along the four walls 10, 11, 12, 13 of the inserts 2 and extends at least in part to along the circumference on the outside of it. According to one embodiment, the recess could be substantially elongated. The recess 5 could, according to an alternative, be a groove. According to one embodiment, the recess 5 could be designed as a single continuous recess. It could be grooved intermittently. Preferably, the recess 5 has been practiced on the outer part 16 of the insert 2 to achieve a thin and directional breaking point, the result of which, when a pressure is applied to the nose dilatation device 1, the part central sides 10, 11, 12, 13 are bulging further, which could cause further expansion of the nostrils when the device is inserted into the nose. By compressing the respective insertion pieces 2 to a variable degree, an individual width and, thus, an individual expansion of each nostril could be obtained.

Figures 1 to 3 show that the insert pieces 2 are provided with at least four openings 7, which according to one embodiment, could have been made at the corners 15. According to another embodiment, the openings 7 could be made on the sides lengths 11, 12. Even, according to a further embodiment, the openings 7 could have been made on the short sides 10, 13. The position of the openings will depend on the design of the nose dilation device.

According to one embodiment, said openings could be oriented in the direction of moving away from the large opening 4 in the direction of the small opening 3.

The small opening 3 has a rounded edge 8, which is also reinforced (Figure 1).

Figure 4 shows that turning the insert or insert 2 backwards could be provided with a rounded shape 18, the shape of which allowed a greater expansion of the nose and, thus, ensuring that the insert 2 fit, for example, in nostrils that have rounded shapes or significantly deformed nostrils.

Figure 5 shows the normal shape of the insert 2 pieces in comparison to an insert that has been turned upside down. Figure 5 also shows that, optionally, only one of the insert 2 could be turned upside down.

Figure 6 shows that the insert pieces 2, in one embodiment, could be kidney shaped. According to alternative embodiments, the insert pieces 2 could be shaped in other suitable embodiments (which have not been shown).

Inserts could be formed of an elastic material. According to an alternative embodiment, the material could be constituted by plastic materials, rubber materials, silicone materials, or combinations thereof.

The device 1 could comprise different stiffness in different parts thereof. According to one embodiment, the central part of the insert could be made of a rigid material and the rest of the insert of a soft material.

Inserts 2 could, according to an alternative embodiment, be reinforced on the inside, to increase their stability and decrease air resistance.

Preferably, the material is transparent or flesh-colored to ensure discretion of the insert parts during use.

According to one embodiment, the device 1 could be heated before the insertion parts 2 are compressed or before at least one of the insertion parts is turned upside down. The heating could be carried out by keeping the device submerged in hot water for a period of time. According to one embodiment, the water could be heated from about 45 ° C to about 60 ° C, and the period of time could cover from about 20 seconds. Up to about 40 seconds. Alternatively, the user could heat the device by keeping the device, for example, in the hand.

It will be noted that a series of modifications of the above-described embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention, defined by the appended claims. For example, the insertion pieces 2 and the connecting member 9 of the invention could be provided in the form of a net (which has not been shown) to reduce any injury due to rubbing against tissue or mucous membranes and to make the elastic more elastic. Inserts 2 and to the connecting member 9.

Claims (12)

1. An internal nose dilatation device (1), comprising two conical insert pieces (2), each of which has four walls (10, 11, 12, 13) and two openings: a small opening (3), which during use is oriented inwards in the direction of the nasal cavity; : Y a large opening (4), which is oriented outside the nose, the insertion pieces (2) being joined together by means of a connecting member (9), which during use is the only part that remains in the part outside of the nose, whose insert pieces have at least four openings (7); characterized because the four walls (10, 11, 12, 13) of the insert pieces (2) are convex in their central parts and are provided with a recess (5) which, during use, is substantially horizontal, the recess having been practiced ( 5) along the four walls (10, 11, 12, 13) of the insert pieces (2) and extending at least partly along the circumference on the outside thereof to form a bulge in the four walls (10, 11, 12, 13) of the insert pieces, and because a reinforced part has been provided along a rounded edge of the small opening (3), thereby allowing the insert (2) to turn upside down.

2.

A nose dilatation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the insert (2) is kidney shaped.

3.

 A nose dilatation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the insert pieces comprise corners and the four openings (7) have been made in the corners (15) of the insert pieces (2).

Four.

A nose dilatation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the insert pieces comprise long sides and the four openings (7) have been made on the long sides (11, 12) of the insert pieces (2).

5.

A nose dilatation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the insert pieces comprise short sides and the four openings (7) have been made on the short sides (10, 13) of the insert pieces (2).

6.

A nose dilatation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the nose dilatation device (1) is provided with a decongestant.

7.

A nose dilation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the nose dilation device (1) is made of an elastic material.

8.

A nose dilatation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member (9) is rigid and substantially U-shaped.

9.

A method for changing the size of a nose dilatation device (1) according to claim 1, comprising:

compress the insertion pieces (2) by applying an axial force, by the user who squeezes the insertion pieces (2) with the fingers.

10.

A method for changing the size of a nose dilatation device (1) according to claim 9, comprising:

turn upside down at least one insert (2).

eleven.

A method for changing the size of a nose dilatation device (1) according to claim 1, comprising:

heating the device (1) to a temperature at which the material softens; Y Compress the insertion parts (2) by applying an axial force by the user that squeezes the insertion pieces (2) with the fingers. 12. A method for changing the size of a nose dilatation device (1) according to claim 1, comprising: heating the device (1) to a temperature at which the material softens; Y turn upside down at least one insert (2).